Shutter Priority + Auto ISO = a Gamechanger for Action Photos (VIDEO)
The Shutter Priority mode, often labeled “S” or “TV” on your exposure dial, provides you with full control over this key setting while the camera automatically adjusts aperture to arrive at accurate light. Today’s video below from the Hamed Photography YouTube channel adds an interesting twist that makes this approach to exposure even more useful than you thought.
When paired with Auto ISO, the combination becomes a powerful, semi-automatic exposure tool that allows you to freeze motion, capture the peak of action, and adapt quickly to ever-changing illumination—without wasting time messing around with other camera settings.
Hamed explains the simple technique like this: “It’s especially helpful in fast-paced situations like sports, street, wildlife, and event photography where both speed and exposure accuracy really matter.” In other words, just set the desired shutter speed and your camera will handle the rest.
Hamed presents an overview of the individual benefits of both Shutter Priority mode and your camera’s Auto ISO setting. Then you’ll learn how using these options in tandem can provide significantly greater results—especially if you include the pro tricks he recommends.
In basic terms shutter priority controls motion blur—with a fast shutter freezing movement and slower speeds doing the opposite. But here’s the rub: “Unless lighting is constant, accurate exposures can become really tricky.”
ISO, on the other hand, determines your sensor’s sensitivity to light, and in manual or semi-automatic modes ISO adjustments help maintain the correct exposure IF shutter speed or aperture are fixed—and that a really important “if” to keep in mind.
Here’s how Hamed summarizes the power of combining shutter priority with Auto ISO: It works great for beginners, provides enhanced speed and flexibility, and is very responsive in variable light. And all this frees you up to spend more time concentrating on creative composition.
Hamed walks you through how all this works, and then he concludes the video with several foolproof pro tips for making the most of this transformational technique. Be sure to check out the other how-to videos on his popular YouTube channel.
And on a related note, don’t miss the tutorial we featured earlier with an award-winning Australian pro who demonstrates five wildlife photography fundamentals that will significantly increase your odds of success.
